SOVEREIGNTY OF SAMOA. ABDICATION OF MALIETOA. MATAAFA APPOINTED KING.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 419, 19 October 1889, Page 4

SOVEREIGNTY OF SAMOA. ABDICATION OF MALIETOA. MATAAFA APPOINTED KING.

Th c chiefs of tbo various districts, writes our Samoan correspondent, have held a meeting, and decided that Mataafa shall continue to act as ruler of the Malietoa party until the result of the conference is ratified by the three Powers, when, if necessary, a fresh election can take place. It is felt that there may yet be trouble with the Tamasese party, and if there is, Mataafa will be far more able to cope with it than Malietoa, who is a man of peace, and no doubt wanting in many of the characteristics which have made Mataafa so successful. Before the meeting a large talolo or native feast was held, which was largely attended by the natives of the districts friendly to Malietoa, who brought large presents of food. At the conclusion of the feast, Malietoa, who appeared in delicate health, stood up, and addressed the assemblage. He said : "I am standing now amongst you, and I thank God for it. I never thought when I was a prisoner away in a foreign land I could ever see you again. Mataafa is here with me, and I now thank him especially for the manner in which he has supported our cause, and I also thank all my people for the manner in which they had assisted Mataafa while I was away. You all knew I left over to Mataafa the management of our affairs, and the leadership of our party, and you now will reap the benefit of your faithful actions. Every man in Samoa respects Mataafa, and I also respect him, and he (Mataafa) has done and will do his best for Samoa. Although I suffered myself as a prisoner iar away from my home, Mataafa and my people have had a trying time ; but you have nobly done your duty. I have made up my mind what to do, and I know I am doing it for the good of my people. I, with every confidence, leave Mataafa to steer the ship. Mataafa is not blind. You al«o have full faith in him, and under his guidance you will now become a prosperous people, and permanent peace secured to Samoa. I now retire in favour of Mataafa, whom you will still follow as you have well done while I was away." Malietoa, who was very weak, then retired, and had to be conducted to his private quarters in Matautu. The 3oldiers were then brought round, and by order of their commander, and in excellent order, fired the usual salute to their newly-appointed King, each discharge being fired together almost a? one shot. Lauati, a chief from Savaii, then addressed the people. In conclusion he said: "Mataata will now permanently rule over us. Many people have said there will be jealousy within our people, and that we would be divided in our support between Malietoa and Mataafa. This is not true. There will be no jealousy. Malietoa has given his place to Mataafa, and we will all follow Mataafa's lead, and Malietoa will be vice-king ; there can be no jealousy." Mataafa then addressed his people. He said: •• You have heard what Malietoa said, , and you have also heard what Lauati said. , I am pleased with the manner in which fchey t speak of me and of what I have done dui'ing Malietoa's absence. This is good, and I thank Malietoa and you all fot your good feeling towards me. Malietoa wants me to take his place. He wants me to guide the ship. The chiefs of our party have also asksd me to do so. I now accept the position, and, with God's assistance, we will save Samoa for our people. During Maliefcoa'e absence our people obeyed me, and fought for their country, and I have every confidence in cheir allegiance in the future. We should thank Almighty God for Malietoa's return to us. Malietoa and myself are one in our feelings for the good ot our people." He (Mataafa) sincerely regretted that some of his immediate friends fought against him in the late war. They were led a3tray ; but he knew they still respected him, and he was sure they would again join his standard. '* We should all work for Samoa. We should not forget what the United States and Great Britain have done for us. We have to thank those nations for our independence. They will advise ue right, and if we follow fcheir advice it will be for our good. Germany has only tried to frighten us. It is now more than ever our duty to support our new Government." He again thanked his chiefs and people for their confidence, and he will, with the advice of his chiefs, govern the country tor the benefit of all. Mafcaafa then thanked sereral chiefs, whom he named, most of whom were present, for their consistent support in the late war. He then retired. Other chicf 8 also spoke, bub were very unanimous in their views. The King, with the advice of his chiefs, was to make the appointments to the various offices of Government in a day or two.

I have been credibly informed that the German Consul waited upon Malietoa and remonstrated with him upon his action, telling him that Germany would never submit to Mataafa as Kinsr, whilst he would be perfectly willing to recognise him (Malietoa). What threatens to be another " rift withn the lute " is the fact that Mataafa ia a lloman Catholic, and most of his adherents (as in fact are most of the nacivea) aro Protestants. It is to be hoped that no religious feeling will be worked up among the natives, especially at the present juncture.